M-Braves Big Inning Downs Shuckers In 9-4 Defeat

The Biloxi Shuckers (48-49, 14-16 2nd Half) rallied late but surrendered one big inning to the Mississippi Braves (46-52, 18-12 2nd Half) in a 9-4 defeat on Thursday night at Trustmark Park.

The M-Braves scored first in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits against LHP Brandon Knarr (L, 1-4). Knarr worked around a bases-loaded jam to keep the Shuckers down just a run at 1-0.

RHP Darius Vines (W, 7-4) kept Biloxi’s offense in check through his first five innings, allowing just three hits over those five frames while not allowing a runner to advance into scoring position.

Hendrik Clementina’s solo home run in the home half of the fourth made it 2-0 in favor of Mississippi. The big inning came in the bottom of the fifth when five runs scored on three hits and three walks, opening up a 7-0 M-Braves lead.

Biloxi cracked the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning. Playing with the Shuckers for the first time since July 31, 2019, former Southern League MVP Corey Ray connected for a home run to right center field, his first at Double-A and sixth overall of the season, making it 7-1. Garrett Whitley worked a one-out walk and advanced to second on a balk but was left stranded as Vines finished his night by retiring the final five batters he faced.

In the top of the eighth, the Shuckers were able to bring the tying run to the plate. Ray singled with one out and Monasterio was hit by a pitch, bringing up Whitley, who tripled down the right-field line, pulling the Shuckers within striking distance at 7-3. Thomas Dillard worked a walk and after a strikeout, Tristen Lutz drew a walk as well, loading up the bases for Felix Valerio. Biloxi’s second baseman found himself in a full count before earning a walk, forcing in a run. Gabe Holt then fouled off pitch after pitch as part of a 13-pitch at bat but flied out to left to end the frame and leave the bases loaded.

Mississippi moved back ahead by five with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. A double by Ray and a yet another walk to Monasterio put a pair of men on base, but RHP Jason Creasy got a strikeout and a pop out to end the contest.

Holding a two games to one advantage in their series, Biloxi continues their six-game tilt with the M-Braves on Friday night at Trustmark Park. RHP Carlos Luna (4-4, 4.94) is set to start for Biloxi against Mississippi RHP Alan Rangel (4-4, 5.33) for a 6:35 pm first pitch. The game can be seen on MiLB.TV and heard locally on WGCM AM 1240/FM 100.9 or online here. Individual tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available for the 2022 season by calling (228) 233-3465 or visiting biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.